Marsa Alam Egypt Holidays
Marsa Alam
Holidays
Egypt's most unspoilt Red Sea resort — pristine reefs, dugongs, sea turtles, manta rays and a wild, undeveloped coastline far from the crowds
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Flight Time
5–6h from UK (direct to Marsa Alam or via Hurghada)
Best Time
Year-round (October to April most comfortable)
Country
Egypt
Suppliers
our travel partners ·
Marsa Alam Holiday Guide
Marsa Alam is Egypt's most unspoilt Red Sea resort — pristine reefs, dugongs, sea turtles, manta rays and a wild coastline far from the crowds. Elphinstone Reef is world-class. The dugongs at Marsa Abu Dabbab are extraordinary.
Best for serious divers and those seeking an unspoilt Red Sea experience. Direct flights from the UK are available.
We search across Travelpack, Emirates Holidays and JTA Holidays for the best Marsa Alam deals.
Popular Areas in Marsa Alam
Average Temperatures
Jan
23°C
Feb
24°C
Mar
27°C
Apr
31°C
May
35°C
Jun
38°C
Jul
39°C
Aug
39°C
Sep
36°C
Oct
32°C
Nov
28°C
Dec
24°C
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Call 01282 960 460Top 8 Things To Do in Marsa Alam
The dugongs, sea turtles, Elphinstone Reef and pristine unspoilt coastline that make Marsa Alam the finest undiscovered Red Sea destination.
Dugongs
Marsa Alam is one of the very few places in the world where dugongs (sea cows) can be reliably seen in the wild — a small population feeds on the seagrass beds at Marsa Abu Dabbab bay. Snorkelling with dugongs in their natural habitat is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in the Red Sea. The bay is a protected area and the dugongs are habituated to snorkellers.
Elphinstone Reef
Elphinstone Reef is one of the finest dive sites in the Red Sea — a dramatic underwater plateau with sheer walls dropping to 70 metres, extraordinary coral formations and abundant pelagic life including oceanic white-tip sharks, hammerhead sharks and manta rays. The north and south plateaux are the most dramatic sections. Elphinstone is considered one of the top ten dive sites in the world.
Sea Turtles
Marsa Alam has the largest sea turtle nesting population in Egypt — green turtles and hawksbill turtles nest on the beaches and feed on the seagrass beds throughout the year. Snorkelling with sea turtles is a common experience at Marsa Abu Dabbab and several other sites along the coast. The turtles are completely habituated to snorkellers and divers.
Pristine Reefs
The coral reefs of Marsa Alam are among the most pristine in the Red Sea — the remote location and lower tourist numbers have preserved the reefs in exceptional condition. The visibility is extraordinary (often 30+ metres) and the marine life is abundant. The reefs at Marsa Shagra, Marsa Nakari and Wadi Lahami are all exceptional.
Eco Resorts
Marsa Alam has a small number of excellent eco-resorts and dive camps that are very different from the large all-inclusive hotels of Hurghada — intimate, environmentally conscious properties with direct beach access, excellent dive centres and a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere. The Red Sea Diving Safari camps are among the finest.
Manta Rays & Whale Sharks
Marsa Alam is one of the best places in Egypt to see manta rays and whale sharks — the deep water off the southern coast is a regular feeding ground for both species. Whale shark sightings are most common between November and January. Manta rays are seen year-round at several sites including Elphinstone and the Brothers Islands.
The Brothers Islands
The Brothers Islands (El Akhawein) are two remote islands 60km offshore from Marsa Alam — one of the finest dive destinations in the Red Sea, with extraordinary wall dives, abundant pelagic life (hammerhead sharks, thresher sharks, manta rays) and two spectacular wrecks (the Numidia and the Aida). Liveaboard trips to the Brothers are available from Marsa Alam.
Practical Tips
Marsa Alam is best reached by direct flight from the UK to Marsa Alam International Airport. The resort is spread along a long stretch of coastline — most resorts are self-contained and a car or transfer is needed to move between them. The area is much quieter than Hurghada and is best suited to divers, snorkellers and those seeking a peaceful, unspoilt Red Sea experience.
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Key areas, beaches and attractions across the island.
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